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You don’t have to know how to sew to make a Halloween costume. And there are plenty of ways to get costumes for your little goblins for less. SHNS photo courtesy Kasey Trenum (SHNS photo courtesy Kasey Trenum)

Q: How do I save money on Halloween costumes?

A: There are plenty of ways to get your children ready for the Halloween season while keeping some cash in your pocket.

Here are some fun and easy ways to save money on Halloween costumes. You might never pay full price again!

• Consider a costume swap with friends/family. You can all arrange to meet up, bring your old costumes with you and swap them out for new-to-you costumes. This is a simple way to get your hands on a great costume without spending a dime.

• Shop children's consignment sales and secondhand clothing stores. These stores are full of gently used Halloween costumes that your child will adore. Last year, I paid less than $10 for Darth Vader and Princess Leia costumes for my kids. Typically, these could sell for as much as $30 each new, which amounts to significant savings.

• Browse Facebook. Many communities have online yard sales and offer their items via a Facebook group. In my area, there are several hundred members of each yard-sale group that I participate in. Not only can you find great deals on costumes, but you can also make a little extra money by listing old costumes you may have. Shop early for a great selection, or keep in mind that you'll find greater discounts the closer it gets to Halloween.

• Before ordering online, look for coupon codes. Coupon codes are a great way to save when you order costumes online, and just about every store has some. Check out savings.com and search your favorite store to find available coupon codes and maximize your savings.

• Get crafty! Do-it-yourself is the latest craze. You don't have to know how to sew to make a costume. Simply use items you already have, and find ways to accent them to get the look you want. Thrift stores are a great place to find any extras you need.

• Buy ahead for next year. You'll find Halloween costumes up to 90 percent off immediately after Halloween. This is the perfect time to stock up! My kids like to play dress-up all year long, so even if they don't wear the costume next Halloween, we'll get our money's worth. You may also find next year's costume; just snag it up in a larger size.

When you use these tips, you can easily outfit your child for Halloween for less. So don't give your wallet a scare; give these tips a try.

For more tips on saving money, go to time2saveworkshops.com. Email time2saveblogger@gmail.com.)